Singapore swing
David Neville Williams
Singapore is renowned for its gleaming skyscrapers, pristine streets, sensational shopping and world-famous Raffles hotel. But, soothing as it is, there's much more of a buzz to this unique city-state than simply sampling a Singapore Sling after an exhausting day of bagging the bargains
2008-10-12
Here’s our top ten must-do list to make sure you get the most from your stay:
Cruise down the Singapore River
Step aboard an electrical bumboat (from the Dutch word for canoe) at the Raffles landing site, where in 1819 Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles stepped ashore and set in motion Singapore’s contemporary history and development into the crossroads of Asia. As you drift along, enjoy marvelling at the many grand old bridges and contrast between the mellowed old colonial architectures and striking skyscraper skyline of modern Singapore’s booming tourism industry.
Watch an open-air line dancing session
Crowds gather to strut their stuff and show off their moves in the Far East Square on Friday and Sunday evenings. All tastes are catered for, with fans dancing to country and western tunes, pop hits, hip-hop music and even the odd Latin American number. Despite the competitive nature of some of the young dancers, there’s always a fun, friendly atmosphere.
Gear up for a piece of Formula 1 racing history
Singapore is staged its first F1 race and the world‘s first F1 night race in September. It was staged from the brand new three-storey Pit Building, located on the Marina Promenade, which will serve as the nerve centre for the race and house the most exclusive spaces for VIP guests. This futuristic-looking purpose-built facility, which delivers world class corporate facilities, cost £15million to build and is seen as a great asset by Singapore’s tourist chiefs. “It will offer some of the most exclusive experiences available to race goers,” said Mr Lim Neo Chian, Deputy Chairman and CEO of the Singapore Tourism Board, who chairs the F1 working committee.
Treat yourself to a fresh crab feast
Try the chilli crab, a Singapore specialty, which consists of fresh hard-shell crabs cooked in thick gravy with a deliciously tasty tomato and chilli base. Best eaten with bread soaked in the gravy. For something a little more sophisticated book a table (well in advance) at the Sin Huat Seafood Restaurant, in Geylang Lorong, and sample their signature dish of Crab Bee Hoon, which is a huge crab filled with brightly-coloured roe and juicy flesh, swimming in a thick pool of flavoursome broth and transparent noodles. It has earned rave reviews from American celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain and British food guru Kevin Gould.
Ride, fish or feast in the park
Pasir Ris Park, not far from Changi Airport on the northeast coast, is fast becoming one of Singapore’s tourist hotspots - because it offers something for everyone. The park is huge, covering 175 acres, and features a large mangrove forest, complete with boardwalks. Equestrian fans can hire a mount at the recently-opened Gallop Stable on Pasir Ris Green or you can go pond fishing, which is very popular with the locals. Visitors can also try the beachfront dining at The Fisherman’s Village, which specialises in seafood and local delicacies, and then burn off the calories by hiring a bike, pair of roller blades or kayak.
Try foot reflexology
It’s a natural health method practiced by the ancient Chinese, involving the massaging of the nerve endings (reflex zones) in the feet to soothe and heal the body’s internal organs. Singapore has almost 200 foot reflexology clinics, dotted around the island, offering this relaxing form of alternative medicine.
Cool down with a cone
Any flavour you can imagine served by friendly ice-cream vendors with their push carts in Orchard Road include red bean, mango, yam, corn, blueberry and peppermint. Perfect on a hot day.
Shop until you drop
Shop whenever you like at the Mustafa mall. This six-storey shopping centre, in Syed Alwi Road, is open 24 hours a day and stocks everything from diamonds to cars, plasma televisions to Indian chutney. Singapore is, of course, famous for its superb shopping. The legendary Orchard Road features mall after mall of glitzy clothes, electronic goods, furniture, rugs, cosmetics, shoes - and there’s always a big sale going on somewhere. In the street markets and small shops, you should bargain for all you’re worth when you are buying tourist souvenirs such as painted fans. For antiques, batiks and carpets, head for Arab Street or Little India.
See how Tiger beer is made
The illustrious rise of Singapore’s own Tiger beer, now brewed in seven countries and sold in more than 60, is told in a highly entertaining multimedia, multi-sensory entertainment centre at the St James Power Station, on Sentosa Gateway. Admission costs £8 and all visitors get, of course, a Tiger beer plus a signature limited edition brewery souvenir. The centre is open to visitors from 11am until 8pm.
Enjoy the sights and sounds of Chinatown
The colourful cultural celebration runs from August 31 until September 30 and is a time of gathering and reunion, lasting until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays and midnight the rest of the week. Families and friends come together to watch stage shows, appreciate the moon at it fullest and share traditional mooncakes and Chinese tea, while surrounded by an astonishing display of themed lanterns and shimmering festive lights. Don’t forget to take your camera…
Then & now
In less than 150 years, Singapore has gone from a rough-and-ready trading post to one of Asia’s major economic hubs. It became a British Crown Colony in 1867 but was finally declared a sovereign and independent nation in 1965. Today, with a population of 4.6million, there is virtually no unemployment and thousands of migrants from Europe, India and China have flocked to the island and made their fortunes. Some critics complain that Singapore has sold its soul for commercial wealth - but most visitors love and admire its ingrained efficiency and sense of order, litter-free cleanliness, immaculate subway system and almost crime-free way of life. Hot and humid throughout the year, most rain falls during the northeast monsoon from November to January and showers are usually sudden and heavy.
